Serving an international membership, meeting local needs.

As the Internet and the United Nations dissemination of its list of nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) makes information about ACEI more available, international interest in ACEI is growing. This week, for example, I received an E-mail from a social worker in Nigeria who is involved in programs and activities that are central to ACEI's mission, I share her message below with the hope that ACEI members and other readers of Childhood Education may better understand the scope of ACEI's influence worldwide.

Dear Marilyn Gardner,

My name is Miss Toyin Obayemi, a social worker in a nongovernmental organization (children@stake). In my search for more materials and lectures for the children in my local area, I stumbled [upon the] ACEI [home] page, where I saw some articles [that] focus on infants and toddlers. It is of great interest to me if I can be incorporated into your mission and extend this to children here in Lagos, Nigeria.

In my next mail I will send you a mail of my biography which inspired me into doing what I can to alleviate the plight of children in Nigeria. I shall be grateful if this mail is given a favourable and prompt consideration and response.

Thanks,

Toyin Obayemi, children@stake

This is on of many such requests that we receive. In recent months, we have responded to requests for Branch start-up materials from Nigeria, Ghana, Congo, Kenya, and Pakistan, in addition to requests from several professional groups and universities in the United States. While it may take years before the membership in some countries can support an ACEI Branch, membership around the world is increasing. As of December 31, 2003, ACEI membership reached into 59 countries, with 362 members in countries outside of the North American continent.

Many ACEI members (even in the U.S. and Canada) labor under extreme financial hardships, yet are driven by the belief that well-educated children will lead to a better future for everyone. Meeting such diverse needs provides a real challenge to the Association. That challenge is being met though ACEI's publications, position statements, advocacy, and Web site (www.acei.org). ACEI makes a wealth of information available online to the global education community.

This free material helps teachers and other caregivers understand the value and nature of ACEI's work. Indeed, news of ACEI's work, standards, and mission on behalf of teachers and children is reaching around the globe. The new Online Membership Application and Conference Registration Form make it easier for interested educators to join us, and to network with colleagues around the world, sharing the best of theory, research, and practice for the benefit of children.

--Marilyn B. Gardner, Director of Membership